Menstrual Pain: The Best Natural Remedies

Menstrual Pain: The Best Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Cramps: Herbal Teas, Herbs, and Grandma's Tips

Menstrual pain is one of the most common issues affecting women during their cycle, often impacting the quality of daily life. This discomfort can vary in intensity, from mild annoyances to acute pain that, in some cases, can even lead to immobility or absence from work. In this article, we will delve into the topic of dysmenorrhea - the medical term for painful menstruation - examining the causes, main symptoms, and especially the most effective natural remedies to alleviate the pain. We will discover together which herbs, teas, and other traditional remedies can assist us during the most critical days of the cycle, also providing valuable advice on what to avoid and how to prevent these issues through a conscious lifestyle and the use of targeted natural remedies.

herbs and teas for menstrual cycle pain

Menstrual Cycle Pain: Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Cramps

Natural remedies for menstrual pain provide valuable support for dealing with dysmenorrhea, a condition affecting about 80% of women during their cycle.

These pains, also known as menstrual cramps, can vary in intensity: while some women experience only mild discomfort, for others, the symptoms are so intense that they disrupt normal daily activities. Dysmenorrhea is mainly characterized by pain in the lower abdominal area, which can radiate to the back and lumbar region, sometimes accompanied by headaches and other related issues.

Although these symptoms are considered a common manifestation of the menstrual cycle, when they become particularly intense, they can be debilitating, significantly affecting the quality of life during the "critical days."

In the presence of moderate menstrual pain, it is not always necessary to resort to painkillers, as there are numerous natural alternatives that can offer effective relief without side effects.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation with the Tisana della Luna by Terzaluna: linden, calendula, and St. John's wort come together to calm the mind and body, relieving tension and menstrual cramps.

  • Calms menstrual pain
  • Immediately effective
  • Always fresh herbs from the current year
4,50€
  

Why Does the Menstrual Cycle Cause Pain?

Natural remedies for menstrual pain are particularly useful when one fully understands the mechanism causing this discomfort.

The menstrual cycle is a complex process that repeats monthly, lasting between 21 and 35 days. During ovulation, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes to reach the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining sheds through contractions, which are the main cause of menstrual pain. These pains are primarily caused by increased production of prostaglandins, substances that cause vasoconstriction and uterine muscle contractions.

As highlighted by recent medical studies, another determining factor is the presence of an inflammatory process characterized by the excessive release of mast cells, cells involved in the repair of inflamed tissues. Added to these mechanisms can be a deficiency of progesterone and magnesium, which can intensify painful symptoms. It is interesting to note that dysmenorrhea affects between 50% and 90% of women of childbearing age, manifesting in most cases as a primary condition, not linked to other pathologies.

Menstrual pain is closely related to ovulation: in the absence of ovulation, the cycle is not painful. Generally, the first episodes of dysmenorrhea occur within the first year of menstruation, and the intensity of the pain can vary significantly from woman to woman.

Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle

The symptoms of the cycle can vary greatly from woman to woman in terms of intensity and duration. During the menstrual period, the female body undergoes a series of changes that manifest through various characteristic disorders:

  • Abdominal cramps and uterine contractions, which are the most common symptom and can radiate from the lower abdomen to the lumbar area
  • Localized pain in the lower back and kidney region
  • Sensation of heaviness and abdominal bloating, often accompanied by water retention
  • Tension and breast pain
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances, which can manifest as alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • Widespread fatigue and difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in appetite, which may increase with a particular craving for sweet foods or decrease significantly
  • Alterations in sleep, with possible episodes of insomnia or night sweats
  • Mood changes, which can include irritability, anxiety, or sadness
  • Dermatological issues such as oily skin and the appearance of blemishes

In more intense cases, some women may also experience nausea, dizziness, and cramps extending to the thighs. The intensity of these symptoms can be influenced by psychological factors such as stress and anxiety, which tend to amplify the perception of pain and general discomfort.

What to Do if Menstrual Pain is Severe?

Natural remedies for menstrual pain can provide valuable support, but when the discomfort becomes particularly intense, it is crucial not to underestimate the situation.

While some women experience only mild discomfort during their cycle, others may suffer from debilitating pain that significantly interferes with daily activities, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. In these cases, it is essential to consult a gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis, as severe menstrual pain could be a symptom of underlying conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids.

Particular attention should be paid when pain occurs outside the menstrual period, during sexual intercourse, or in the presence of irregular bleeding. From a therapeutic perspective, doctors generally prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketoprofen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, in addition to the classic paracetamol.

In some cases, the contraceptive pill may be recommended, which by blocking ovulation can help significantly reduce menstrual pain. Several factors can predispose to more intense menstrual pain, including being under 30 years old, early onset of puberty, the presence of cervical stenosis, or pelvic inflammatory diseases. Menorrhagia (excessive bleeding) and metrorrhagia (irregular bleeding) can also be associated with more severe pain.

woman drinking herbal tea natural remedy for cycle

Natural Remedies for Menstrual Pain

Natural remedies for menstrual pain are a valid alternative to relieve discomfort during the cycle. Let's see the most effective ones:

Herbal Teas and Infusions

Herbal teas are a real boon during menstruation. Particularly effective are:

  • Chamomile: with antispasmodic and relaxing properties
  • Lemon balm: great for reducing anxiety and tension, you can find dried lemon balm on Terzaluna
  • Fennel: helps deflate the abdomen and relieve cramps
  • Yarrow: with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties
  • Angelica sinensis: a remedy from traditional Chinese medicine for cramps and fatigue
  • Calendula: with hypotensive and soothing properties
  • St. John's Wort: calming, useful for mitigating mood swings

Discover the Terzaluna's Moon Tea, with linden, calendula, and St. John's Wort, a relaxing and soothing infusion perfect for a moment of relaxation during the menstrual cycle.

  • Calms menstrual pain
  • Immediately effective
  • Always fresh herbs from the current year
4,50€
 

Heat Therapy

Apply localized heat to the abdomen through:

  • Hot water bottle
  • Self-heating thermal wraps
  • Hot showers or baths

Heat helps relax muscles and reduce uterine spasms.

Physical Activity

Engage in moderate movement such as:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Walking

Exercise promotes the release of endorphins that naturally relieve pain.

Natural Supplements

  • Magnesium: effective against uterine spasms
  • Omega-3: anti-inflammatory properties
  • Spirulina: rich in essential nutrients
  • Chaste tree: regulates the hormonal cycle

Restore natural balance with the chaste tree supplement, a valuable ally to calm cycle disturbances and promote hormonal well-being with gentleness and serenity.

 

Beneficial Spices

  • Ginger: pain-relieving and anti-nausea properties
  • Turmeric: a powerful natural anti-inflammatory
  • Cinnamon: purifying action
  • Chili pepper: pain-relieving effect

Discover the ginger tea, a spice with calming and pain-relieving properties, ideal for relieving menstrual cramps and regaining energy with a touch of spicy warmth.

Episode list  

3,00€
 

Relaxation Techniques

  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing
  • Foot reflexology
  • Abdominal massages with circular movements

Targeted Nutrition

Favor:

  • Foods rich in iron
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Whole foods
  • Lean proteins

Instead, limit salt, caffeine, and refined sugars.

woman doing yoga as a natural remedy for menstrual pain

What Not to Do in Case of Menstrual Pain

Natural remedies for menstrual pain are more effective when certain behaviors that can worsen symptoms are avoided. Clothing plays an important role: wearing clothes that are too tight, snug pants, or belts that compress the abdomen can intensify discomfort and increase the feeling of bloating. Excessive use of tampons can also accentuate local discomfort, so it is advisable to alternate with external pads or menstrual cups.

From a dietary perspective, it is crucial to pay attention to what you consume during your cycle. Foods rich in caffeine such as coffee, black tea, and cola-based drinks should be avoided as they can increase nervousness and tension. Foods that are too sweet or excessively salty can worsen the typical bloating of dysmenorrhea. Chocolate, especially in the afternoon, can interfere with nighttime rest already compromised by menstrual pain.

Lifestyle significantly affects the intensity of the discomfort. Sedentary behavior and standing for long periods can aggravate the pain, as can the consumption of alcohol, which tends to increase water retention. Stress, anxiety, and depressive states are other factors that can amplify the perception of pain. Smoking, besides being harmful to general health, can worsen cycle symptoms through its vasoconstrictive effect. It is also important to manage the increased sense of hunger that often accompanies menstruation: binge eating, especially of fatty foods, can intensify bloating and general discomfort. The use of diuretics, unless expressly prescribed by a doctor, is discouraged as it can alter the balance of minerals in the body.

How to Prevent Menstrual Pain

Natural remedies for menstrual pain can be even more effective if integrated into a routine of daily prevention. Proper management of your well-being in the days leading up to your cycle can significantly help reduce the intensity of menstrual discomfort. Regular physical activity, in particular, plays a fundamental role: engaging in moderate exercise at least 3 times a week helps keep circulation active and reduce stress, two factors that greatly influence the intensity of menstrual pain.

Nutrition is another pillar of prevention. It is advisable to follow a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, regularly introducing beneficial spices like ginger and turmeric. The consistent intake of specific herbal teas, such as those based on yarrow or lemon balm, can help prepare the body in the weeks leading up to the cycle.

Managing stress through daily relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises can make a difference. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle also helps the body better regulate hormonal cycles. The preventive use of natural supplements, such as magnesium or omega-3s, can be particularly useful if started at least two weeks before the expected cycle. It is also important to pay attention to daily clothing, favoring comfortable garments that do not compress the abdomen, and maintaining correct posture throughout the day. The regular application of warm compresses on the abdominal area in the days leading up to menstruation can help prepare the muscles and reduce tension.

 

Buy online the Tisana della Luna by Terzaluna, a blend with linden, calendula, and St. John's wort, ideal for seeking calm and relief during the most delicate days. 

  • Calms menstrual pain
  • Immediately effective
  • Always fresh herbs from the current year
4,50€
 

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